Case filling machine



March 1, 1949. C, H. NEER 2,462,888 I CASE FILLING MACHINE Filed April 14, 1944 K 8 Sheets-Sheet l 1 s m Tg1' f5-j.

1g*- 75"* 1 I: I L62 "3 f --n 'l i IIJ/ lil- C. H. NEER CASE FILLING MACHINE March 1, 41949.

Filed April 14, 1944 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 L /FFo/PD/v. /VEEfa March l, 1949.

C. H. NEER CASE FILLING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 3` C. H. NEER CASE FILLING MACHINE March 1, 1949.

8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 14, 1944 s ---lmE N C. H. NEER CASE FILLINGMACHINE lMauzch l, 1949.

Filed April 14, 1944 B Sheets-She??l 5 m3 0., No.

gums/nfor- C. H. NEER CASE FILLING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed April 14, 1944 m W m. 3@ n N H, D m w .a

March 1, 1949.

` C. H, NEER CASE FILLING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed April 14, 1944 CL/FFo/ED H NEE/Q.

March l, 1949. v 3. H. NEER 2,462,888

` CASE FILLING MACHINE I Filed April 14, 1944 e sheets-sheet 8 7/ l IG) ELQUNTIL CLIFFORD /VEER Patented Mar. 1, 1949 UNITED yS TATES PATENT OFFICE .CASE FILLING MACHINE Gliord H. Neer, Baltimore, Md., assigner to The 'Burt Machine iCompany, Baltimore, Md., acorporation 4of Maryland Application April `14, 1944,Se1ial No.` 530,971

(Cl. 22B-,15)

22 ciaims. 1

The invention relates to the -lling lof cases .or cartons with cans, -orother packages which can be fedby rolling, the term can `being Vused `for convenience to include any such package.

In this, as in other voperations -incident `to vthe production and distribution of canned goods `and the like, the time of `the operator and the oor space occupied by the machine, constitute important elements in the -costei production.

The -object of the invention is to vincrease the actual speed with ywhich the cans are placed in thecases and also to prevent-loss of `time of breakdowns and to. increase the uniformity of loperation preventing Athe delivery of :partially Kiilled cases and the Vlike Awhereby the youtput of lled cases per machine peru-nit of time -is increased, thus increasing the voutpl-it `of each `operator and of each unit of floor space, vwhereby the'total .cost of the product Ais reduced.

The attainment of these and-other Aobjects is dependent on new combinations `of parts whereby new and improved vresults are attained inconnection with the variousy steps of which the casefllling operation is composed.

A machine embodying illustrative examples of the new construction, arrangement and combinations of the invention on which fthe new and Simproved results above outlined are believed `to be dependent is illustrated 4in the accompanying drawing, comparativelywide variation :as ito form and arrangement being contemplated.

An accomplishment ywhich constitutes an important contribution .tothe speedl of operation is the formation of a complete Vload ready :tofpass into the #path of theloadetransfer plunger near the endofeach return strokeofthe latter, Vwhereby each full stroke performs a complete caselling operation. Other important Laccomplishments relate to the Icontrol whereby `partly rfilled cases and stoppages ydue to breakdowns are yprevented.

In the drawings f Fig. l .-is a side elevation of tthe `iront `end of the machine `looking from the position of vthe operator who places the cases or-cartons in `receiving position, the machine being-broken away at the right for `convenience .of illustration.

Fig. v2 is aside elevation looking in thefsame direction and illustrating the center sectioneoi the :machine limnlediately tothe :rear orthe .rig-ht of the portion shown 1in Fig. 1 `and continuous therewith.

Fig. `3 fis a viewof 'the rear hend `of .the anachine, the :portion illustrated `.joining the portion .shown in Fig. 2 andbeing .continuous therewith.

Fig. 4 is a transverse section on the line Jl-- in Fig. 1 looking Ato the left in said iig-ure.

Fig. 5 is a section on the lline 5-5 in Fig. 12 looking `to the left in said fig-ure.

Figs. 6 and 7 are detail views vof the operative nd 2r .tongue of the switch actuating lever in Fig. 8 yis a top plan View of the front end of the machine corresponding to Fig. l, but extending rearwardly beyond the same.

Fig. 9 is a top plan view of -the rear end .of Vthe machine continuous -with and extending yrearwardly from Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a sectional elevation taken on the line Ille-.ri in Fig. 8, looking in .the direction of the arrows, i. e. oppositely .to Fig. 1, and showing portions .of .the machine in elevation.

Fig. v11 `is a :fragmentary section on the line li.-.ll in Fig. 8 looking in the .direction of the arrows therein.

Fig. 12 is va side elevationcorresponding to Fig. 3 and .showing the iower end of the elevator which is removed or .omitted 4from Fig. 3.

Fig. `13 Vis a diagrammatic :plan showing `:the shelves and ways with `the cans thereon in lthe position which they ftake j-ust prior .to the forward stroke Vo f the plungers.

"Fig, 14 is asimilar View showing a lrled case, the .cans `being in the-position .which they `assume immediately after the forward stroke .ofthe Vmain plunger, or llcad-.transfer plunger, the return stroke of the short-stroke, .or load-forming plunger, having .been not yquite completed., `the magazine shelves not having been raised, l.the second layer of `cans `in .the magazine v.being indicated inbreken lines as not yet havingadvanced into the magazine. l

Fig. 15 is `a fragmentary view of the case -conveyor `with a filledcase thereon, the position4 `of the case-holding arm .at Lthe time Vof `delivery of the lled case 'to the `aways being shown.

Fig. 16 is a circuit diagram :in connectionwith which are shown ragmentarily, Ythe .star-ting switch, theshelf-protecting Vsafety switch and the full-case-stop.-motionswitch.

Referring to thedrawings bynumerals, each of which is used to indicatethe same or similar parts in the different iigures, and having particular reference to Figs. 1, 2, 3 -and 8, vthe -first three -oi which figures show Athe entire machine in side elevation, Fig. 8 showing the front half of the machine in plan, the construction shown comprises, an elongated frame l! onr which are 4mounted three series -.of vertically spaced elongated shelves, :to Abe VLfurther described. `These shelves are shown as inclined downwardly from the rear end of the machine at the right in Fig. 3 to the front end of the machine at the left in Fig. 1, the long dimensions of the shelves extending from the rear toward the front of the machine.

The shelves referred to as ways are stationary as to the rear portion, or in feed end, of the machine, two sets of shelves, i. e. those at the front in the path of the main or load-transferring plunger to be described as comprising the loadsupporting shelves, and those immediately to the rear of said plunger path, in the magazine space M, being preferably hinged at their forward ends to swing downwardly toward horizontal position as more fully hereinafter described. As shown` they are inclined downwardly and forwardly, the inclined position shown being referred to for convenience as the normal position, the lower position in which the shelves approach the horizontal being the position in which the transfer of the load of cans into the cases or cartons in the direction of their axes to be more fully discussed takes pla-ce, likewise the movement of a number of cans in the magazine corresponding to half the load ifrom the path of the feed to permit the other half of the load to advance into the magazine.

The main plunger 2 is shown in front elevation at the left in Fig. 1 in broken lines and in plan in Fig. 8 in which it appears in full lines. This plunger is also referred to as the load-transferring plunger to distinguish it from the secondary or load-forming plunger 3 also shown in broken lines in elevation in Fig. 1 and in full lines in top plan View in Fig. 8. The main plunger 2 which transfers the load of cans into the cartons or case, as more fully hereinafter described, moves from a position on one side of the shelves as shown in Fig. 8 to a position in which it extends beyond the shelves on the opposite side, i. e. toward the observer in Fig. 8, whereby the load of cans is transferred from the shelves through the funnel into the 'carton which is indicated at 4 in Fig. 14, and the secondary or short-stroke plunger 3 moves from the withdrawn position in which it is shown in Fig. 8 to the broken line position in said gure, the forward position of the plunger 2 also being shown in broken lines in said iigure, and is more fully hereinafter explained. The secondary plunger in the preferred form shown, which is subject to variation, makes its full forward and return stroke while the primary or long-stroke plunger is advancing, the said long-stroke plunger being retracted while the secondary or short-stroke plunger is stationary in its withdrawn position as shown in full lines in Fig. 8.

Referring more specifically to the details of construction, the upright portions of the frame indicated by reference characters 5 and 6 at the front of the machine, see Fig. 1 enclose the loadforming mechanism also referred to as the path of the primary or load-transferring plunger. These uprights 5 and 6 enclose three or any suitable number of shelves, one above the other, indicated by reference characters 7, 'I' and 'I" and above these shelves in the form shown and similarly mounted is a cover-plate 1"'.

These shelves, 1, 'I' and 1" and the cover-plate 1" which are spaced vertically by a distance approximately greater than the diameters of the individual cans to be handled are pivoted on shafts, see the plan view in Fig. 8 as well as the elevation Fig. 1, which extend horizontally across the machine transversely to the direction of can feed which is herein referred to as forward, the direction of the plunger stroke being transverse to the feed. These shafts 8, 8', 8" and 8" carry swingably mounted thereon depending bell-crank levers 9, 9', 9 and 9"' to which are attached the shelves and cover-plates 1, 1', 1" and 1"' extending rearwardly from said shafts in a general direction which may be termed approximately horizontal. In the form of vmachine -shown the shelves are adapted to swing downwardly to and upwardly from the horizontal position in which they are shown in broken lines in Fig. 1 through an arc which in the machine shown is approximately 8 degrees to the full line position in which they are also shown in said figure, and each of the bell-cranks 9, 9 etc. is provided adjacent the forward end of the corresponding shelf with a depending stop plate Il! which prevents the passage of the cans composing the load beyond the path of the plunger 2.

It is of importance to note that at the time of the advancement or feeding of the cans by rolling the shelves in the load-supporting area L are inclined downwardly and to the left in Fig. l, i. e. downwardly and forwardly and that during the advance and withdrawal of the primary or loadtransfer plunger 2, the shelves are horizontal providing for the satisfactory arrangement of the load of cans in the carton or case and preventing any interference of the shelves with the motion of the plunger and consequent breakage of parts whereby the machine might be thrown out of operation and rendered useless until repairs could be provided. It may be noted at this point that in the machine herein shown for example the cans are in three tiers provi-ding for three shelves, I, I and 'I" and the plunger 2 is provided with three horizontally elongated can-contacting members II, II' and II" which as shown are horizontally disposed to cooperate with the shelves l, etc. in their horizontal position in which the cans are advanced into the cartons in the direction of their axes, and the magazine M is similarly arranged for formation of a complete load therein.

The shelves 'I etc. are necessarily lowered and raised in time with the strokes of the plunger 2 and the portion of the mechanism for raising and lowering the shelves will now be described.

In the form of the invention shown the rearward end of each shelf, 'I, 1', and 1" and the cover-plate 'I" is pivotally connected to vertically movable uprights I2 and I2' being mounted for this purpose on short horizontal lstud-like members I4, I4', I4 and I4" at one side of each shelf, the studs at the left in Fig. 1 being numbered I3, I3', I3" and I3"' and it may also be noted that the upright 5 at the front side of the load-forming area supports one end of each of the horizontal transverse shafts 8, 8', 8" and 8"' previously referred to, the other ends of these shafts being supported in bearing on the corresponding upright 5' as seen at the right in Fig. 4.

Referring now to Figs. 2 and 3, it will be noted `that to the right of the load-forming area L,

which is enclosed between the uprights 5 and 5' and 6 and 6', the latter being shown in Fig. 5, there is a second set of shelves which during the formation of the load are inclined downwardly to the left, the inclination of these shelves being to the best advantage similar to the inclination of the shelves 1, 'I' and 'I" so the exact angle may be regarded as immaterial. This area is referred to for convenience asl the magazine and extends backwardly from the loadforming area L, l. e. the

nprights '6 yand `to the vertically reciprocating uprights l5, l', the uprights 5,55'zand6, 6' being a stationary portion of the frame. In this `connection it may be noted that inthe machine shown which is for example only the shelves in the load-forming area areof `a Vwidth vat right angles to the plane of Figs. l, 2, and 3 exceeding the axial length of two cans andthey are in fact intended to carry two lines of cans lto vconform to the present practicein which the load is =two canswide ordeep in the direction of the axisand three cans wide in each directionof thediameter for which reason there are as -aforesaid three shelves in the load-forming-area'though thisarrangement is dependent vonly on the `size of the cases in relation to the sizeof `the cans -to be placedftherein, i. e. thenumber of canslin a case and their arrangement.

In the magazine area indicated-by 'reference character M, the shelves and cover-plates are Idesignated by reference characters 46, 1B', t6 and 16 respectively in Fig. 1 and these shelves are pivotally mounted at their forward ends which are at the left in Fig. 1. For this purpose horizontal transverse shafts Il, |\I',lland I'I" are mounted in the stationary uprights, i. e. provided with bearings supported on said uprights indicated by reference characters 6 and 6,see Figs. l and 5, and the respective forward ends of said shelves are mounted on said shafts. Thesemagazine shelves I6, I 6', I 6 and coverplate |6' are mounted or pivoted at their rear ends which are at the left in Fig. 2 on studs I8 and |8218 and |8'. see Figs. 2 and 5, said studs being carried in the vertically reciprocating uprights I5 yand I5 which are actuated in a manner to be hereinafter described in connection with the operation of the shelves 'I' etc. and the primary and secondary plungers 2 and 3.

It is of interest to note at this time that .there is a switch 23 shown in Figs. 1 *and 4 and -alsoin thercircuit diagram Fig. 16, :the actuating `member for which is carried by the shelf 'l whereby the actuating circuit to be described -is closed when the shelf 'l is rotate-d downwardly toward horizontal position out of the path of the plunger 2 to prevent contact of thepiston members Il with the shelves 1. This is a safety device to be later discussed in connection with `the description of the electric system which operates the machine. Said machine is in the preferred form .shown stopped and started between strokes bythe 'functioning of said circuit avoiding the use ofthe single `revolution clutch Awhich 'has been lalmost universal in its application to 'this `type of machine.

In order to complete the discussion vof the shelves or ways in the magazine whereby thecans are presented to the load-supporting shelves in the path of primary plunger by which they are transferred into the cartons, it maybe :desirable to again point out that the shelves 1, 'l' and 1", as well as the cover-plate 1",in the load-supporting space L and the magazine shelves 16, I6 and I6", aswell as cover-plate IB" are, in the machine illustrated, of la width corresponding to, but exceeding by a considerable marginjthe axial length of two cans, and each set of shelves, -i. e. inthe `load-supporting area and in the magazine, exceeds in height or vertical extent three .times the diameter of the cans being handledit being understood that some variation in diameter .is permissible without change of the machine and that all of these dimensions fare dependent .on

"6 ,the .number and s arrangement :of be :cans lin the casesnrfcartons.

'Beyond *the .magazine :toithe iright inxFigs. 1, l2, and tand according to the "terminology/:thus far used, to :the'rearthereoiis afse't of :three'itiersof feeding shelves :or ways 22, 22 and 22" and ia cover-"member orzguid'e 22m.. ,Theseinthe form of invention'shown are :inclinediin thefsamefgeneral direction as are the shelves I etc. and 1.6 ietc. in 1their inclined or :feeding lposition, fthe 'exact inclination in 'all instances-'being subject1tnvariation. These-shelves f22correspond in `widthto the axial length aof asingle can, 'asbest-shown. infplan in :Figs -13 and 14, and these feed to thezvsideof the :magazine `shelves which ris remote `from the observer tin Fig. 1, fthe :purpose of `the :secondary or magazine plunger .f3 being tok change the single layer fof, cans delivered by 'the feeding shelves :22. 22'fand 22" to a doublel-ayer ofv cans infthe magazine ready for advancement into the load-supporting yarea L. In other words the plunger 3 moves Levery falternate half load of lcans 'which comes into -the magazine, forwardly in the directioniof the plunger stroke out of y,the path `of the feed, i. .e.out.of line with the ,feeding-:shelves 22' :so that another half load-can take :its place in the magazine on the withdrawal of `plunger A3, forming a full load for advancement Ainto the pathiof the transferlplunger 2.

It is of interest `tonote Kthat .the :top Yfeedshelf 22 contains .a `yielding iplatform 24 `whereby Va switch 25 in theactuating circut Cv is closed when the .top shelf .22 Ncarriesva sufcient `number of canslback of Athelrnagazinel i. e. in the form of the invention shownarefour'cans so `that asucient supply of cans is present onthefeeding shelves 22, 22'iand 22" to ll one side ofthemagazine. This switch isnormally open `and is, as. aforesaid, closed by the weightiof the-cans on platform 24 so that the machine cannot .operate in the absence -of a suiiicient supply .of cans. This mechanism ywill be 'further discussed inconnection with `the electric ,circuit .C but it maybe here `noted that .the feeding shelvesor ways `22, 22 and 22" are supplied With cans by way of an elevator A2li .at the right in Fig. I3. This elevator need notbe specificallydescribed asit is of a well-known type in which-the cans are rolled upwardly along-an .inclined `way 27 being propelled, i. `e. rotated, uby Va friction belt 23 which `in the formfshown is held in contact `with the cans by spring actuated yielding `rollers 29. This way`2l extends -upwardlyand forwardlyat a sharp angle to the `shelves 1A2, 22 and 225 in close relation to their rear-ends which areat the `right in Fig. Band at the top of Aeach shelf there is an .opening through the way 21 suiicientito .permit thepassage of a can, i. e. of a vertical widthsomewhat inexcess of thediameter of thecans being handled. Thusaccording to the usual operation of such an elevator, the .lower shelf '22 is first .filled as shown `in Figs. `2.and 3 and when this has been accomplished, .the v.end can .marked E in Fig. 3.closes the opening 30, when the said shelf is filled, and thereafter the further supply of cans .passes upwardly overthis can which serves as asupportfformingpart ofthe way, and the cans then enter `or `pass `onto the shelf 22. When this shelf is lled, the end vcan C' closes the opening 3l and thereafter the-cans pass onto the shelf 22" which due totheperiodlc removal ofthe cansfrom the load-,formingarea Inmay not according rto the timing of the machine become at any time lcompletely lled. If this shouldhappen, the `friction'al engagement of the cans Joy the belt 28 is suclently slight =to prevent cramping of the machine or damage to the cans.

That the detector platform 24 in cooperation with the switch prevents' the operation of the machine in the absence of a suiicient supply of cans on the top shelf 22 has already been mentioned and will be further discussed in connection with the electric circuit for actuating the machine and the various stop motions and switches.

The main or load-transferring plunger 2 and the secondary or magazine plunger 3 have already been referred to as cooperating with the enclosing structure L and the magazine structure M respectively. These plungers and their operating mechanism are shown to best advantage in rear elevation in cross sections Figs. 4 and 5 respectively, each plunger being shown in its withdrawn position in plan in Fig. 8 the plungers 2 and 3 also being shown in side elevation in Figs.v 1 and 2.

Each of said plungers 2 and 3 has a base portion 33 and 34 respectively and each said base portion slides in a horizontal guide 35 and 36 and each plunger 2 and 3 is actuated or has the actuating thrust communicated thereto by connecting rods 31, 38 which are connected to the base portions of the corresponding plungers by wrist pins 39, 40 which engage the bases at the ends which are forward in the direction of the Working strokes of said plungers, thus eliminating any tendency on the part of the sliding base portion to bind in the corresponding ways, it being noted that this is the preferred arrangement, other methods of connecting each plunger to its reciprocating mechanism being feasible though apparently less desirable.

Each of these connecting rods 31, 38 is pivotally connected at its rear end to a corresponding actuating arm 49, 4I, Figs. 4 and 5. *The preferred method of operation and arrangement of which arms 40 and 4I, as here illustrated for example only, will now be separately described together with other mechanisms cooperating therewith for operating the shelves corresponding to the respective plungers.

The plungers and shelves in the preferred form shown are moved by an electric motor 44 shown in elevation in Fig. 2 and in top plan view in Fig. 9, other sources of power to best advantage electrically controlled being usable. The shaft of this motor 44 is threaded to provide worm 45v which engages and operates a Worm wheel or gear 45, both of which are best shown in Fig. 9, the worm being also indicated in end view in Fig. 2l and the worm gear being enclosed within thecas.- ing marked 45' in Fig. 2. The worm gear 46 in turn is secured to and operates the main plunger shaft 41, shown in Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5.

Referring now to Fig. 4 it will be noted that the shaft 41 carries secured thereto a crank or crank arm 48, to the outer swinging end of which is pivotally connected by wrist pin 49 a connecting rod 49 which is in turn connected at its outer end as by wrist pin 5|] in driving relation to the rocking arm 40. This arm 49 actuates the main or load-transfer plunger 2 whereby during the operation of the motor 44 the arm 49 and'the plunger 2 have a full harmonic reciprocating motion.

Wrist pin 59 which moves on an approximately horizontal arc above the stationary pivot 5I of the arm 40, carries the outer swinging end of a second connecting rod 52 which operates the shelves, i. e. rocks them downwardly toward horizontal position, as shown in broken lines in Fig. 1

andV returns them to the full line position in said figure. Connecting rod 52 is slotted at 53 in the direction of its length. at its end remote from the wrist pin 59 and this slotA is engaged by a crank pin 54 at the outer end of a crank 55 operatively secured to the shelf operating shaft 55 of which there are two arranged end to end as best seen in Fig. 1, the second shelp operating shaft being indicated by reference character 51 and forming part of the mechanism which operates the magazine shelves to be later described.

The connection of the -plunger base 33 to the upper end of arm 40 by connecting rod 31 has already been described. This base carries at its rear and considered in connection with the direction of the working stroke of the piston, an upright 58 to which are secured parallel forwardly extending horizontal arms 59, 59' and 59" at the forward end of which are located the can-contacting plunger members II, II' and II" referred to in connection with the description of the load-supporting shelves 1, 1 and 1".

This portion of the machine also includes a switch actuating lug 60 adjustably secured near the base of the upright 58 and adapted to engage and operate a bell-crank 6I pivotally mounted on the frame and having a wiper 62 in the path of said lug El), the said bell-crank as being connected by a connecting rod 63 to a switch actuating mechanism which is tripped by an operator-controlled tripping device in a. manner to be further described in connection with the electric circuit.

Referring again tothe shelf-operating shaft 56 and its crank-arm 55 and connecting rod 52, it will be noted that there is also mounted on the shaft 56 and secured thereto a substantially upright arm 64 which is given a tendency to the left in Fig. 4, i. e. toward the operator, by a tension spring B5 shown in the form of a coil spring connected to the frame. This arm 64 is also connected by a connecting rod 66 which in connection with the arm 54 has what may be termed a toggle action to a vertically sliding bar 61 which encloses a portion of the frame I, being slotted for a distance greater than the width of said frame to provide for the necesary motion. The upright I5 at the side of the machine opposite the operator, see Fig. 10, is secured to and extends upwardly from said sliding bar 61, the transversely opposite upright bar I5 forming the opposite side of a vertically reciprocating frame to which the opposite edges of the shelves are pivoted by the studs, I3, I3' and I3, the timing of the shelves 1, 1' and 1" in relation to the motion of the primary or load-transfer plunger 2 will be understood by examination of Fig. 4.

The action of the spring 65 imparting a constant tendency to the arm 54 to swing to the left in Fig. 4, i. e. toward the operator, has been explained, also the slot 53 which engages the crank-pin 54 at'the swinging end of the crank 55. As the rocking arm 40 swings to the left impelled by its crank 48, the pin 54 is released by the motion of the connecting rod 52. The toggle 84, 56 is broken or bent by the yielding of arm 64 to spring 65, and the reciprocating uprghts I5 and I5' are moved downwardly lowering the rearward or raised end of the shelves 1, 1', and 1 in the load-supporting mechanism.

The shelves as thus moved have an effect which will now be explained. The tendency of the cans to roll down the incline of the shelves as shown in Fig. 1, particularly within the path of the load- 2&32; 8883 transfer plunger@ acceleratesstha operation.. The tendency' of the: cansr inthe magazine. to enter load-supporting area. will be apparent. When the plunger 2 is advanced it is important. to havezthe. cans. comprising the 'load' and about toty be transferred to the case; tree. of those in theimagazine. As each. shelf is lowered',I its rearmost endk as seen in broken lines' in Fig; 1 contacts.thezforwardzportionof the circumference of'the, most advanced can on the corresponding shelf in the' magazine.v Thus they advancement of? each off the forward. cans on the respective magazine shelves is prevented;4 iti being apparent that; the cover-plate 1l""" has; the same` eifect in stoppingv the cans. ot the. top. rowl as the shelves 1F as to the lower rows. Itis alsoof interest that the rearmost can on each shelf in the loadsupporting` space,` ii. e. the can. at theA right of said space in Fig; l, at this time moves downwardly and cornes to rest. between the forward rearwardly conveyingi surfaces of the adjacent cans inthe magazine, theiinal position: ofi each can at the rear end. of each shelf being shown in broken lines in Fig. 1 and` indicated by reference character X. Also theclea-rance effected by swinging the shelves downwardly toward horizontal position and applyingthem as stop. mem-.- bers to theY forwardl cans; in the magazine is enhanced and the effector' these: shelves# as stop members: is` also increased by the advancement'r to` the right, i. e. toit-harear of therear ends of the: shelves due to the rearward andi downward inclination of the arc through which they' swing; and progress ofthe rearward end ofn each shelf over the downward andi forwardy curve of' the fl'irwardy upper quadrant off the surface of corre-u sponding forward can in the-magazine;

It i's 'als of importance that each shelf may to advantage be in the-form ofa bell-crank having a depending arm 9- etc. pivotedat its upper end as' at 8- whereby the forward end of eachshelf and the load thereon moves forwardly as the shelf swings downwardly to'- said liiorizantal position. Thus the rearward` ends of the shelves not only serve as automatic' can stop to prevent advancement of the'cansfromthel magazine during thefoccupancy oftheloasi-supportifng` area by the plunger 2 butin the various Ways above out linedI establish andimaintain a most satisfactory clearance between` theload and the cans inthe magazine; The shelves it in the magazine M serve not only as magazine shelves but-'1 asfeeding Waysl leading to the respective shelves of the load-supporting space E.

The timing of the shelves: relativelytothe` tim-A ing-f of? the plungers is a matter of' primary' importance, as theplunger'membersf Mi do not-regis-` terwith: the spaces betweeny theshelves in the normali inclined position of thel latter. Mbref particularly-the shelves-in theirsnormal inclined posi:` tionarey in the paths of: thev plunger menribersi Il'` andl they` must' be lowered" tothe= horizontal posi*- ticn in' which the loadf is transfrredl from thev shelves lft'othe cartons in order. toiprovide-afree path for the plunger members and toprevent cramping and breakage-of! the machine. To this endi it: will benoted that' the` a-rm Gili in Fig. 4v is. free te yield tothespringl: 615 andi swingV forwardly breaking the toggle 64E 6U andlowering the shelves asf sooir as the3 rocking arm.` 4B" beginsf to move-forwardly. In other'words the connecting' rodi V521 moves te theleft andthecrankI 55, the` pin 54 of which is inthe slot 53 is permittelltb'` swing counter-clbckwisea crank 55'- being securedth'theishaft 56; this shaftis turned there...

with and the arm `[t4 being likewise secured to'said shaftI operates: las already Voutlined breaking the; toggle,` andlowering the shelves l.. It should also be. noted that4 in the. withdrawn position the plunger members Il', Il' and H" are spaced to the; right or backwardly as compared to the direction of their working stroke from the shelves 1 etc. in Fig. 4. Thus there is ample time for the shelves to be moved from the pathof the plungers before the latter reach the vertical plane` of said shelves..

The: member 69' in Fig; 4' isv in the nature of a stop in the path of the arm 64 to limit the swing of` the latteriin a counter-clockwise direction as seen irl-Fig. 4, whereby the motion of the shelves, or rather the rearward end of the shelves, down'- wardly' is; so limitedy that they move to the horizontal position only, said horizontal' position: being i illustrated' in brokenA lines in Fig. l. It is not the purpose toV limit the.'` invention by this, description to a precisely horizontal. position of the shelves', or te otherv details notv essential to satisfactory operation of the nature described.` The operation of" shelvesV t6: etc.. inthe magazine space M as to I their can-stepping function is in the form shown similar to that described in. connection with shelves: 'l' etc.,K butt this stop function isnot esseritial to: every conceivable embodiment of the other features ofthe invention which are separable into various groups of mechanism which may be` vari'- ously employed machines for this general purposei In; the formi showny the bell-crank feature incident to the depending arm.. il etc.` is omitted from the magazine shelves'.

Referring.A nowto: the` secondary or short-stroke plunger 3 which operatesin connectiontwith the magazine M, andi is. also: known asthe magazinev plunger, which plunger and the actuating mechanism therefor are` best illustrated in Figs.. 5 and 8-, the: individial plunger members, Figs. 5 and 81, are indicated by reference characters Tll; 'l0' andv HIPC. being supported; on horizontal forwardly extending arm Ti, mounted onf andi extending forv war'dly from a rigid; upright 'l2 which` extends upwardlly from the rear' end: of the' sliding carriage orbase 3152 which. operates` transversely' to the: feed in` a suitable horizontal guidew'ay 36". The sliding carriage or' base lllliisas already describedoperated aconnectingiro'd 38'and1this connecting rod, according to*` ther preferred embodiment shown, engages; thel end of the base or sliding carriage :mi which. is forward in` the directionof the work'- irrgstro'kel of plunger'a, the saidv engagement beingi eitected by a. wrist pin 411," as best shown in Fig. 5f. It should be noted at. this` point that the shelves IE,y ITK' andi IiBf" andthe cover-platev l",- like the correspondingI members l, 12.1"', 1, are

notM only pivoted or swingably mounted at their frward endsfasby means of shafts Il', Il" andi. Il to astatonaryportionf ofthe frame but also are. pivotally' connected at their rear ends by vertically' reciprocating upright members 'M and1 15;.

ther pivots bein'gJindicated as I 8 and i8 and being in the nature: off short stud-like members seated I' in; said; uprightsI and having a bearing in. suitable' which` inthe operation of.: the magazine plunger' or short-stroke plunger serves the same: purpose afs; the. crank 'l8r which operates. the long-stroke plinger." which ymoves the load of cans into thei cgfieassse lly to be described. Thisicam engages a follower or roller"18 Vmounted on an arm 19 secured tothe shaft 51 which also has secured thereto an arm 89 to the outer swinging end of which a connecting rod 8| is pivotally joined. This connecting rod 8| is operatively engaged at its opposite end with the rocking lever 4| previously described as connected to the base 34 by the connecting rod 38. The rocking arm 4| is pivoted at its lower end toa stationary portion of the frame at 4|", its operation being almost precisely the same as that of the rocking arm`49 except for the difference in timing accomplished by the cam 11 as compared tothe crank 48, whereby the plunger 3 including the plunger members 19, 19 and 19" is advanced through a short stroke, corresponding to half the depth of the load, and retracted during the advancement of the plunger 2, whereby a full load of cans is ready in the magazine to be released and permitted to advance into the load-forming area as soon as the shelves 1 in said latter area are returned to their inclined position ready to receive ya new load of cans. The return of the said shelves 1 to said inclined position is preferablytimed to take' place instantaneously by the operation' of spring 95 in Fig. 4 as soon as the plunger members etc. of the plunger 2 have passed out ofthe upward path of the shelves 1. It may be noted in this connection that the rod 52 with its slot 53 engaging the crank pin 54 releases the latter so that the toggle arm 64 can yield to the spring 65 lowering the shelves as soon as the plunger 3 begins to advance and on the return stroke the left-hand end of said slot in Fig. 4 engages said pin and raises the shelves as aforesaid as soon as the plunger members have cleared the path of the shelves and not until that time.

To return to the operation of the short-stroke or` magazine plunger 3 and shelves IB, the actuating mechanism includes a second connecting rod 83 which has at its left-hand end in Fig. 2 an elongated slot 84 which engages a pin 85 at the outer swinging end of a crank 85 secured to the shaft51 to which is also secured a toggle arm 86 which in the position shown is substantially upright and to the upper end of which is pivotally connected a'second toggle arm 81 which is also shown substantially upright and is pivotally connected at its upper end to a sliding bar 89 which is slotted at its center at 99 to straddle a portion of the frame whereby the said sliding bar 99 is guided to move in a vertical direction. Said sliding bar 99 has connected to its upper end a vertically reciprocating upright 14 previously discussed, which is connected to the vertically reciprocating upright 15 by cross-bars 15 forming a. rigid 'frame to which the shelves I6, I9 etc. are pivotally connected at their rear ends by the said studs |8, I8 at each side, previously discussed.

The motion of the toggle 86 is response to spring 92 which is connected thereto after the manner of the spring 95 is limited by a stop 93 whereby the shelves move downwardly to and only to a horizontal position as the plunger 3 is advanced, the operation except for timing is precisely similar to thatof the plunger 2 and shelves 1, a precisely horizontal position being non-essential as previously pointed out. There is an additional spring 94 connected to the arm 89 to cause the follower18 to maintain continuously its contact with the cam 11.

In` operation each carton in turn is placed in receiving relation to the load-forming area L, which contains the shelves 1, 1' and 1" and the 12 cans thereon, a funnel or canfunnel95 of the usual construction being provided to conduct or guide each load of cans into the corresponding cartons 4 in Fig. 4. The machine is started by means of a hand lever best shown at 91 in Fig. 1. This lever is secured to the trip shaft 98 shown in said figure and also in Fig. 2 and in end view in Fig. 5, and in cross-section in Fig. 4. This shaft 98 which is rocked or turned in a counterclockwise direction as seen in Figs. 4 and 5 by pulling toward the observer in Fig. 1, and referred to as operator-controlled tripping means, other tripping means being usable, carries a depending locking lever 99 secured thereto, Fig. 5, and provided with a projecting latch member |99 which engages a corresponding latch surface |9| shown as in the form of a notch in a disk |92 mounted on a shaft |93 which is parallel to the shaft 98- and carried in a suitable bearing in brackets |94 on the machine frame.

The disk |92 is engaged by a chain |95 which is wrapped about an upper quadrant of the disk |92 extending clockwise about the same as seen in Fig. 5 from a point |96 where it is secured. The free endrof the chain |95 is drawn downwardly by a tension spring |91 which is secured at its lower end to the machine frame I. When the member 91 is tripped by the operator as described, the latch |99 is released and the disk or gear |92 is rotated clockwise turning the shaft |93 in a similar direction thus operating a case-supporting arm |98 which is secured to a normally depending lever |99, mounted on said shaft |93 to rock therewith. The case-supporting arm |98 is shown as normally horizontal in what may be termed the releasing position which it takes when the machine is idle.

The operation thus described causes the arm |99 to swing upwardly to the horizontal position 0 in which it is shown in broken lines in Fig. 4,

whereby the case-supporting arm |98 swings to the vertical position which is also shown in said figure in broken lines. The arm |99 and the casesupporting arm |98 together are moved upwardly into engagement with the case 4 placed in the position shown in Fig. 4 by the operator but they may also be considered to form a case-supporting device which is positively advanced or locked by the rocking lever 49 which operates the main plunger 2 by which plunger the load of cans is moved into the case or carton from the loadforming area.

The case-supporting member is in the form of the invention shown further controlled at the end of the transfer of the cases into the cartons by and from this rocking lever 49 or other correspondingly moving member by way of connecting rod 9. This connecting rod is shown as provided with a collar adjustably secured thereto and, as shown, thrust forwardly from said lever in the direction of its working stroke. The connecting rod ||9 carries in telescoping relation thereto a tubular extension ||2 to the end of which is secured an upwardly and forwardly extending arm I4 which is connected at its upper end by a link 96 to the arm |99 preferably near its center as at I5. This arm I4 and link 96 are shown as guided by a lever ||6 which is pivotally mounted on the bracket |94 at one end and at the other end pivotally connected to the arm ||4 and link 96 by wrist pin ||1. While suitable and satisfactory is subject to a considerable degree of variation.

The function accomplished by the connection of the case-supporting means |98, |99 to and with The mechanism thus described4 13 the :rocking vlever -40 is regarded as important. in that it prevents displacement of the cases v`or cartons 4 in and particularly at the end of the filling operation when the load of cases is advanced into the carton, and particularly at and near the final end of said advancement.

The collar is so placed on the connecting rod lil that it contacts the ends of the tubular member ||2 at the end of the forward stroke vof the arm |09 and remains in contact therewith and throughout the dwell ofl said arm which is incident to the harmonic motion thereof resulting from the motion of the crank 48 as transformed to a reciprocating motion by the connecting rod 49. A-t this time there is a tendency to displacement of the cartons and such displacement in so far as it would be harmful is prevented not only at the end of the stroke as the plungers are approaching, but for a considerable period as the plunger membersare approaching the end of the stroke so that no ,harmful yielding of the cartons can take place as the load is forced back to its final position in the case 4 on the funnel 95.

Following the filling stroke, as the rocking lever 4.0i moves to the right in Fig. Ll, the positive support thus applied to the carton-supporting members |028, |09 is released and the spring |01, Fig. 5, yielding to the weight of the lled carton permits the members H13,V |09 to swing downwardly to the Yfullline position in which they are shown in Fig. 4 thus loausing'the filled v.oar-ton to rotate counterclockwise fand slide down this guide |09' onto the carton-conveyor shown at H8 in Fig. 4. This conveyor H3 is composed of ball-bearing rollers and is further inclined downwardlyin the direction which .the cartons are to be delivered.. whereby :the weight of the filled carton or case Causes it to slide or roll to the point of delivery. As such progress is incident to the lfree rotation of :the rollers composing the conveyor 8, the army |08 remains between the rollers of conveyor ||8vbeing released by the passage of the carton from its lower broken line position 4 as shown in Fig. 4, in time for the next can-filling operation, pending which it remains in said position 4.

The. throw of the operating lever or trip lever 9T i-s-li-mited by a stop HS', Fig. 1, to the desired arc and the said yoperating lever is automatically returned to its initial position by a spring H9, see Fig.. .4, which is connected to the bracket |04!A at one end 4and at the` other end to a switch-tripping arm |20, see Fig. 4, to be further described, which arm is rigidly secured to the trip-shaft S8. The return of said shaft 98 to its initial position causes the reengagement, see Fig. 5, of the latch 99,

|011l prior to the removal of the case from thearm |08 as shown in the full line position Fig. 4, whereby the apparatus is made ready for the repetition ofthe operation thus described.

It is important to note the machine as shown While it lacks the one-revolution clutch which has been universally used in such machines, op crates for a single stroke of the main plunger 2` each time it is tripped bythe operator as above described.

In theform shown this is accomplished bya eombinationtof electrical and mechanical means which will now be described.

The switch-tripping lever |25 is providedA at itouter end with a tongue |22 shown in detail. in Figs. 6 and 7. This tongue |22 is pivotally connected to the lower end of the switch-trip lever |20, the pivot being indicated by reference` character |24 inv Figs. 6 and 7, and this tongue |22 is thus Iliade free to swing upwardly but the` lever and' the I,tongue |22 are provided with cooperating lstop surfaces indicated at whereby the tongue resists any tendency to .swing downwardly.

`The lever I 20 as it swings upwardly incident to the operation of the trip-shaft 98 by the handlover Alll engages a bell-crank lever |26 pivotally mounted on the frame at |21. This bell-crank lever v|26 consists of a normally upright arm and a normally horizontal arm |28 at the topof said upright ar-m. The horizontal arm |23` extends to the fright in Fig. 4 and has'on its rearward end as to the direction of the Working stroke of the plunger 2 an upwardly disposed point |29 which engages a notch |30 or other suitable device for this purpose in a `trip-switch lever I3 This lever as shown, the entire mechanism being subject to change and variation within the scope of the invention, `is connected by tension spring |32 to an intermediate point on the arm |28. This spring tends to hold point |28 in engagement with the notch 30. The normal position of these parts corresponding, however, to the stationary condition of the machine is illustrated in Fig. 16.

Lever |3| as shown is pivoted intermediately of its length on the frame of the machine or to a suitable bracket thereon at |33 and is connected at its lower end or at la point below said pivot by means of a connecting rod 53 to the wiper 62 at the .right previously described as engaging the lug 'Bsat the beginning of the forward or working stroke of the plunger 2. More properly the wiper 6 2 is engaged by the lug Si) whereby1 the-circuit' is broken at. the switch 20 which is as hereinafter described controlled by the arm t28 of the bellcrank |26.

It is important to note that Fig. 4 illustratesithe switch 20 and its actuating `parts not in the inoperative condition of the machine, but in the po- 40 sition which these parts take at o1' near the beginning of each forward or working stroke of the plungers 2` and 3, the fact being that the handlever 91 at the period of operation shown has'been moved forwardly through a sufcient arc to release the lock or latch 99, |00, |0| and to close the switch 20 `and released and returned by spring H9 or manually returned to initial position. As ther lever 9'1 was moved to the left or counterclockwise in Fig. 4, the switch-operating arm |20 is4 swung counter-clockwise .against the tension of the spring 9 and the tongue |22 is moved upwardly against the knob or lever 26 or otherwiseengaged with the bell-crank'lever |26, whereby the arm |28 is swung downwardly and locked as toits point |29 in the notch |30. Thus the switch 20 is brought to the closed position shown in Fig. 4; the normal position of the point |29 in relation to the notch |30 being as shown in Fig. 16, in which the switch 20 is open, point |29 being free of notch |30. The hand-lever 97 is released so both this lever and4 tripping arm |20 swing clockwise in response tospring H9, the tongue |22` yields upwardly and passes downwardly over knob` |35.

In operation the lever 91 having been tripped and released to bring the switch 20 to closed posi tion and-itsv actuating parts to theposition Fig. 4., as the plunger 2 advances, the lug 60 carried thereon contacts the wiper 62 operating the bell crank ii! in a clockwise direction whereby the connecting rod 63 is moved to the left in Fig. 4. or forwardly in the direction of the plunger stro-ke, rotating the lever |3| in a clockwiseA direction thus.. releasing the point |29 of the bell-crank |26 whereby the horizontal arm |28 is ,movedg upwardly as to its outer swinging end by the tension of spring |32, returning the arm |28 and point |29 and lever I3! to their normal positions which they maintain while the machine is quiescent, said normal position being shown in Fig. 16 in which switch 2|! is open. It way be of interest that the switches used are of a type which close upon a very slight displacement, the moving member of the switch being indicated at |36. The switch 20 is in circuit with motor 44 which drives plungers 2 and 3 and operates shelves 1 and I6 so that in the absence of any other agency to 'close the circuit, the machine would stop.

The machine contains an important provision for preventing any possible advancement of the plunger prior to the lowering of the shelves 1, 1', 1 and I5, I3 and I6" toward their horizontal position in which they are out of the paths of the plunger members and Il, and 10, 10 and 1G". As foresaid, the initial advancement of the plunger breaks the operating circuit, through motor 44, at switch 20, and continued operation of the machine depends upon the simultaneous or prior closing of this circuit through some different path. There is for this purpose a 'second switch 23 which in accordance with the circuit shown in Fig. 16` is connected in parallel with the switch 2|] and this latter switch is operated by a depending lug or dog |31 shown as extending downwardly from the swinging end portion of the lower load forming shelf 1. This lug might be variously mounted to serve the purpose in hand. As 'already pointed out the shelves 1, 1 and 1 as well as the coverplate.1 move downwardly due to the operation of spring 65 and slot 53 as soon as the plunger 2 begins its forward stroke and the shelves approach horizontal position whereby switch 23 is closed by the operation of the dog |31 as soon as the switch 2U is opened or prior to such opening. If by any chance as by failure of spring 65, the shelves 1 do not swing downwardly in time, the machine stops clue to breaking of the circuit at switch 2|! and failure to complete it through any other path.

In this connection it may be noted that the motor shaft, i. e. the shaft 45' on which the worm 45 is mounted, various portions of the machine being available for this purpose, is provided with a brake |38 which is applied by means of a spring- I39, being released by the operation of a solenoid I4 I which is in circuit with the motor 44 whereby whenever the current is broken, the brake is applied and the machine stopped instantaneously overcoming any momentum which might cause the machine to continue to operate when both of the above described safety switches were opened, such undesired operation tending to cause destruction of the machine parts as by contact of the plunger members with the shelves.

Referring now to the operation of the secondary plunger 3, it is of importance to note that by virture'of its quick short stroke which is com pleted during the advancement of the primary plunger or load-transfer plunger 2, or early in its return stroke, said plunger 3 moves every second half load of cans, indicated by reference character Ia at the right in Figs. 5 and 13, from the position in which it enters the magazine M in line with the feeding shelves 22, 22 and 22, see Fig. 9, in the direction of the working stroke of both plungers, i. e. to the left in Fig. 5, to the position |6a' in said figure, a suicient period in advance of the working stroke of theprimary or load-transfer plunger to permit a second half load of'cans to enter the position |Ia, completely filling the magazine M in time to insure a complete load of cans in the magazine to enter the load-supporting area L and ll same prior to the advancement of the plunger 2, even provided the operator replaces the carton 55 on the funnel 95 as soon as the preceding carton is out of the way and at the same time moves the hand lever 91 to actuate the machine. Thus the machine operates at high speed being ready to repeat the filling operation almost, if not quite as fast as the operator can move lever 91.

In order to insure this normal operation and prevent the advancement of the secondary plunger or short-stroke plunger 3 in the absence of a full supply, i. e. in the present instance of a dozen cans in the position I6a, a third means for stopping the machine is provided.

The manner of filling the shelves 22, 22 and 22 and keeping them full, has been described whereby the lower shelves are filled before the cans enter the upper shelves 22". In order to insure a full supply of cans to the magazine whereby the latter holds a full load shown as 24 cans in the present instance, whenever' the plunger 2 is withdrawn, it is provided that the upper feed shelf 22", shall contain at least 4 cans or any predetermined number of cans immediately to the rear of the magazine, the election of a different number being optional at this time the lower shelves would be full in accordance with the operation of the elevator 26 as shown'.

To this end the machine is provided with a yielding platform as shown in Figs. 2, 9 and 10, on which the third and fourth cans on the top shelf normally rest in the rear of the magazine. This platform 24 is located in an opening |40' in the top shelf 22", which opening is a little longer than the platform 24, and this platform is supported on a yielding device comprising depending members |4| and |42 supported on corresponding horizontal members |4| and |42 suitably clamped at their ends in vertical uprights |44 Y at each side of the cover-plate 22" which over'- lies the ways 22. These members |44 are secured to a transverse shaft |44 which extends across the machine transverse to said ways and said cover-plate 22"', being mounted` in suitable bearings on the frame. This shaft |44 has secured to it and extending rearwardly as to the direction of feed, a substantially horizontal arm |43 which is yieldingly supported on a spring |45 which is sho-wn as an upright helical spring enclosed in a suitable opening in the switch block |43. This spring is engaged by an adjustable depending pin |41 carried by lever |43, which pin is shown as provided with a stop I 41' to prevent injury to the contact points of the switch to be described. The switch is referred to in a general way by reference character 25, Fig. 16, being provided with an upwardly extending actuating pin |49 which is engaged to close the switch by a depending adjustable member |48v carried by the lever arm |43 and shown in the form of a screw.

The .switch 25 is in the circuit of the motor 44 which operates the plungers and shelves being adapted to open said circuit independently of switches 2|] and 23. When the platform 24 carries two or a corresponding number of cans, depending on the arrangement of ways 22 and the election of the designer, as best shown in Figs. 2 and 10, the weight of said cans compresses the spring |45 and holds the switch 25 closed. Otherwise, i. e. if the supply of cans on the shelves is insuiclent to `fill the magazine instantaneously, there would beless than two cans, or a sufiicient number of cans, on the platform 44 to close switch, 25. Under these circumstances the spring |45 will support the arm |43 in such a position that the switch 25 will remain open, whereby the motor 44 will bey de-energized and the brake 38 will beI applied stopping the machine,` and the machine will not operate until a suicient supply of cans is ready on the feed shelves 22, 22 and 22" and the magazine M contains at least a half load of cans as illustrated in Fig. 13.

To provide for the operation of the elevator when motor 44 is idle, the purpose. of which elevator is to ll. the feeding shelves 22, 22 and 22" with cans so that it must. operate when the plungers arey stationary, a separate motor` 9! is provided for this purpose, the. operation or which motor is not` affected by' the switch 25 just` described, or by switches 20., 2.3.

Having reference to the sequence. of operations particularly in relation to the stopv motion switches, or protective devices 20, 23 and. 25, it will be noted that, the -machine being supplied with cans as illustrated in Fig. 13, the operator draws the hand-lever 91 at the left in Fig. 1, toward him, moving it counter-clockwise as shown in Fig. 4, i. e. in broken lines in said figure. The operator either immediately returns the lever to normal or releases it when it is returned by the spring I9.

The normal position of the actuating members |28, |29, |30, and' |31' of switch 20 is shown in Fig. 16, the. position in Fig.. 4 being that which these parts take immediately after the tripping of the machine by lever 91. The lever |20 with its tongue-like end |22 being swung upwardly in Fig. 4 by the operation of hand-lever 9-7 engages with said end of tongue |22, vthe knob |135 swinging the bell-crank lever |26 clockwise and causing the horizontal arm |28v to close-the switch 20. By this. operation the point |29 of arm |28 is brought into the notch |30 of the arm |3| whereby the parts are locked in the position shown in Fig. 4. The circuit is thus closed starting the motor which causes both plungersl 2 and 3 to advance. The release and return of hand-lever `9"| causes tongue |22 to swing downwardly past knob, |35, in which movement it yields upwardly passing saidA knob, when it is straightened into alignment with arm |20' by gravity. Almost immediately thev lug 60, Fig. 4, contacts the wiper 62 turning the bell-crank 6| clockwise, whereby the connecting rod 63 moves to the left imparting a clockwise swing to the lever |"3|, whereby the arm |28 is released and the switch 20 is permitted to be opened by the spring 20. This tends to break the circuit and stop the machine and the machine would be stopped at this point 'of its operation unless the switch 23, which is in parallel withswitch 253, be closed, The closure of the switch 23 is dependent on the position of shelves 'l which in the normal operation is moved downwardly by the action of spring 65 on vthe toggle 64, 66. This toggle is released by the action of slot 53 in `the, connecting rod 52, Fig. 4, as soon as the plunger 2 begins its stroke. The lowering of the shelves is completed almost instantaneously closing the switch 2.3 and maintaining the circuit without interruption provided the rshelves are moved in accordance with the normal' operation. of the parts described. If the shelves 'l etc. do not for any reason move downwardly out of the path of can-contacting members etc. of plunger 2, the machine is stopped by breaking of ythe frame y and atv its lower end to the sliding `block 61' which operates uprights |.-2 and I2' and is; in turn operated: by theA togfgrlefll, |56.4 'The members tti-l and |i62 in Fig, 11 are. side-guides for the. cans. as they approach the delivery ends of the. magazine shelves I6. The: guide |.6| vis providedI atA the: end of the cover-plate |6"' in case another tier of shelves` be added to. the machineY and. or to make theshelvesrand cover-plates interchangeable.

Thev swinging endsof the` magazine. shelves I6, t6?, t6" and the cover-platev |6 are `similarly supported by spring. M64, the provision of these springs is regarded .as helpful, though possibly not essential, a qualification .which applies: to various details of the machine and parts thereof which are described; but' notl emphasized as of primary importance.

The brake |38 which stops theV plungers and shelveswhenever the'plunger and shelf-actuating current is broken, has been fully described and is regarded as effecting an important contribution to the improved operation which results from the. functioning of the new combinations and parts herein shown and described'.

it is of importance to note that while the machine lacks anything in the. nature of a single revolution` clutch, it starts when tripped, due to the lclosing of switch 2.63 and'` stops after each complete stroke oi the plunger 2', diie to the opening of switch 23 when the shelves 1', 1 are raised to the initial inclined position. asinllg. 1, Switch 20 having been previously opened and latched ready for tripping..

The timing of` the plungers in relation to each other and of the shelves in relation to the plungers is illustrated in Figs. 1 3 vand 14,` which are diagrammatic plans showing the condition and location. of the cans in the machine at two successive periods of operation. It will be noted that the load-supporting shelves l'. etc. are filled andthat the magazine shelves te contain a single layer, or half load, of cans marked |6`a which are at the side of thev shelves |,6 which is rearmost considered fromy the direction of theplunger stroke, and in line with the feeding ways 22 etc. which are lled with cans. As shown in Fig. 13 the machine is ready for operation, when the operator mores the hand-lever 3l as` described and releases or returns the same, switchesv 20 and 23' and the actuating means therefor being prior to tripping of lever. 9i in the condition shown in the 16, except that switch 2'5 is closed due to the presence of a sufficient supply oi cans on the feeding shelves 22, particularly the shelf 22. Tripping of lever 97|- closes switch 2o as previously described. Immediately the plungers 2 and 3 start forwardly andat this time due to the functioning of the slots 53' and ,8d in the corresponding connecting rods 52, 83 and the springs 35 and 52 and cooperating parts, the shelves l, Tf, 1 in the load-forming area and the shelves t6, t6', 1d and the cover-plates 19 1' and I6" are moved downwardly as to their rear ends toward horizontal position.

VAs the plunger 2 completes its forward stroke, transferring the load of cans from shelves 1, 1', 1" to the carton Ll, which is thus filled and starts its rbackward stroke, the carton-supporting members m8, HB9 being deprived of the support of the rod H2 and cooperating parts due to the retraction of the arm lli] and plunger 2 which takes place immediately after the forward stroke, swings downwardly, due to its weight overcoming the tension of spring H31, to the full line position of said parts as in Fig. 4, placing the filled carton on the ways H8 composed of ball-bearing rollers as previously described. At this time the latch 99, lll, lili becomes engaged holding the ports in said full line position. The ways H8 being inclined, the carton moves forwardly out of the path of the arm |08 which is thus made ready to swing upwardly into supporting relation l to the next carton when lever 91 is next tripped.

During the forlward stroke of the load-transfer or primary plunger 2, or at least considerably prior to the completion of its return stroke, the

short-stroke or secondary plunger 3 is advanced and retracted, saidrlatter stroke being sucient only to move the half-load or layer of cans 50.

forwardly in the direction of the plunger stroke from the full line position 13a to the broken line position loa. Due to the contour and timing of the cam 11, which advances and retracts the plunger 3, the said plunger completes its full stroke, i. e. it is advanced and withdrawn from the magazine area M and passes out of the magazine area before the return stroke of the plunger 2. The shelves l' in the magazine are then raised to the inclined position in which they are shown in Figs. 1 and 2. As soon as shelves lli are thus returned to normal, the space formerly occupiedby cans vial is filled from the ways 22 completing the load in the magazine. Thereafter the connecting rod 52, slot 53 and cooperating mechanisms cause the shelves 1, 1', and 1" to be returned to their initial inclined position as in Fig'. 1.

In this connection it is important to note, as already pointed out, that the normally inclined `position of the shelves 1 in the load-forming area assist in the quick transfer of the load of cans from the magazine to their final position in the Aload-forming area so that successive operations may be performed as frequently as the operator can conveniently move the hand-lever 91, each new load of cans being advanced and ready in the path of the load-transfer plunger 2 as soon as the latter has reached the end of its return stroke and even prior thereto.

It is of interest to note that in the depressed position of the shelves 1, 1', 1" and the coverplate 1 these members act as can-stops to prevent the advancement of the cans from the magazine area M and to provide a clearance between the cans in the magazine and the cans forming the load, the ends of the shelves 1 etc. at the right as seen in Fig. 1 contacting the forward portions of circumferences of the forward cans in the magazine. Further the rearmost cans in the load-forming area as indicated at X in Fig. 1 are moved downwardly to a position in shelf 1 swing to the left or clockwise as the,

20 shelves move downwardly providing ample clearance on this side,il e. the forward side, of the load so that the loads of cans move freely into the cartons without friction either with the cans on the magazine or with these stop members l0.

The main object of the invention and the result that is believed to be obtained is an increase in the speed of operation in response to tripping by the operator, and in this connection the downward and forward inclination of the shelves in the load-forming mechanism, increasing the speed of advancement of the cans into the final position of the load prior to the advancement of the plunger 2, is of great assistance. The satisfactory clearance of these loads and the variousstops provided, are also believed to contribute to the speed of operation, particularly over a long period. The stoppage and breakage of the machine thus avoided must be considered in connection withxthe long-term accomplishment of the machine.

It is of primary importance that during each stroke of the main plunger, the load is not only advanced into the carton, but a complete new load of cans formed in the magazine is placed in the path of the transfer plunger during its withdrawal'and/or prior to its advancement, and at the same time the filled carton is dropped onto the ways, the machine being ready for a second stroke as soon as the first stroke is completed and practically as soon as the operator can trip the machine.A

Also there is but a single stroke of both plungers to each load, i. e. for the transfer of each load to its carton whereby loss of time and unnecessary consumption of power are avoided.

l The increased speed and dependability of operation serve to increase not only the output of the machine, but the output of each operator and the output per unit of floor space, whereby the cost of the yproduct is notably reduced.

Having thus described a machine, embodying the features of the invention in what is now regarded as the preferred form, it should be understood that numerous changes of form and arrangement which Iwould be obvious to a, designer familiar with this machine are contemplated. I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

1. The combination in a machine for filling cases with cans, of load-supporting shelves normally inclined forwardly and downwardly and pivotally mounted at their forward ends in a load-supporting space to swing toward horizontal position; magazine shelves normally inclined downwardly toward the upper ends of the loadforrning shelves and similarly pivoted; a loadtransfer plunger mounted to reciprocate on a path extending through the load-supporting space and having can-engaging members arranged in correspondence with the lower position of said shelves; a magazine plunger similarly mounted in relation to the magazine area, and having can-engaging members similarly arranged; means for reciprocating the transfer plunger and the magazine plunger to advance and retract the same, including means for advancing and retracting the magazine plunger bya stroke of less advancement than that of the transfer plunger, completing its withdrawal from the magazine prior to the withdrawal of the transfer plunger from the load-supporting space; and additional means for lowering the rear ends of both -sets of shelves placing said trance of the respective plungers into the loadforming space and the magazine space respectively, and for raising the rear ends of the respective sets of shelves returning them to said inclined position after the withdrawal of the respective plungers from the load-supporting space and magazine.

2. The combination in a machine for filling cases with cans, of load-supporting shelves normally inclined forwardly and downwardly and pivotally mounted at their forward ends in a load-supporting space to swing toward horizontal position; magazine shelves normally inclined downwardly toward the upper ends of the loadforming shelves and similarly pivoted; a loadtransfer plunger mounted to reciprocate on a path extending through the load-supporting space and having can-engaging members arranged in correspondence with the lower position of said shelves; a magazine plunger similarly mounted in relation to the magazine area, and having can-engaging members similarly arranged; means for reciprocating the transfer plunger and the magazine plunger to advance and retract the same, including means for advancing and retracting the magazine plunger by a stroke of less advancement than that of the transfer plunger, completing its withdrawal from the magazine prior to the withdrawal of the transfer plunger from the load-supporting space; and additional means for lowering the rear ends of both sets of shelves placing said shelves in said lower positicn prior to the entrance of the respective plungers into the loadforming space and the magazine space respectively, and for raising the rear ends of the respective sets of shelves returning them to said inclined position after the withdrawal of the respective plungers from the load-supporting space and magazine, the load-supporting space and shelves and the magazine being of corresponding lwidth and adapted to contain equal loads; and means for feeding to the magazine successive half loads of cans, the stroke of the magazine plunger extending into the magazine by a distance corresponding to the Width of the said half load of cans fed to the magazine whereby the operation of the magazine plunger serves to displace alternate half loads of cans as fed to the magazine, from the path of the feed, and the advancement by the feed of the remaining half loads serves to complete successive loads therein, ready to be advanced to the load-supporting shelves.

3. The machine of claim 1 having operatorcontrolled tripping means; an electric motor for operating the plungers; a switch controlled by said tripping means to close said switch to actuate the motor for the initial advancement of the plungers, prior to their entrance into the spaces occupied by the shelves; means for opening said switch as the plungers approach the shelves; a second switch controlling the motor circuit and controlled by the shelf motion, to be closed by the downward motion of the shelves in time with the opening of the first mentioned switch.

4. The machine of claim 1 having operatorcontrolled tripping means; an electrically operated means for moving the plungers and shelves as aforesaid; a switch for starting said operating means connected to and closed by said tripping means, and connecting means whereby said switch is controlled by the plunger motion to vopen said switch as the plungers advance and before they reach the shelves; a second switch;

connected to and controlled by the shelf motion to close the circuit. and continue the operation of the machine as the shelves move out of the path of the plungers; a third switch controlling said circuit; means whereby said third,

switch is held normally open; and means in the path of the cans approaching the magazine: whereby the cans in said path close said switchf to maintain the machine in operation; the third switch being opened by said normal opening means in the absence of a suflicient number of cans in said path to provide successive complete loads in the magazine whereby the operation of the plungers, in the absence of a sucient sup-` 6. A machine for filling cases with cans having load-forming shelves pivoted at their forward ends to swing downwardly from a normally in.- clined toward a horizontal position and a reciprocating plunger with can-engaging` members adapted to reciprocate between said shelves in' their lower position; an electric drive for the plunger; a switch controlling said electric drive; means connected to said shelves to engage said switch and close the circuit as the shelves` move downwardly; and other means controlled by the plunger to open the circuit tending to stop the machine as the plunger approaches the shelves, whereby the normal operation of the machine is continuous throughout each plunger stroke and the machine is stopped when the shelves fail to leave the plunger path as the plunger advances.

7. In a case-lling machine for cans and the like, of the type having a load-supporting space and a load-transfer plunger mounted to reciprocate therethrough; and shelves in said space for supporting the cans forming the load; a magazine of approximately the same size as and to one side of the load-supporting space and having shelves inclined toward the load supporting space shelves adapted to feed cans to the shelves in said space by the cans rolling from the magazine to said space, waysfor feeding the cans to the magazine and a second plunger for transferring cans crosswise on the magazine shelves fedby said ways, the feeding ways and second plunger forming in the magazine a full load for said load-Supporting space, both the plunger paths being transverse to the direction of the advancement of the cans by rolling, and the magazine and loadsupporting space being of an eiectivewidth which is a multiple of the effective feeding way. Width.

8. A case-filling machine for cansand the like, of the type having a load-supporting space and a load-transfer plunger mounted to reciprocate through said space; and shelves in said space for supporting the cans forming the load; a magazine of approximately the same size as said space; having corresponding shelves for feeding the cans to the load-forming shelves. by rolling, all said shelves being inclined ydownwardly in the direction of said rolling; a plunger for forming the loads in the magazine, both plungers having canengaging members which pass between the shelves, the plunger paths being transverse to the direction of the advancement ofv the cans by rolline.. the shelves. being pivctallv mounted at their forward ends; means for operating the plungers whereby the magazine plunger substantially cornpletes a relatively short forward and return stroke while the transfer plunger is advancing; and additional means for swinging the rear'ends of the respective shelves downwardly tending -to bring the :Shelves to horizontal position in the early portion of the advancement of the corresponding plungers and for returning them to the normal inclined position by raising said ends when corresponding plunger is withdrawn.

9. In a case-lling machine having a reciprocating load-transfer plunger; load-supporting shelves located in a load-supporting space for supporting cans in the path of the plunger; means Y for feeding cans to :said space by rolling, said Shelves lbeing inclined downwardly in the direction of feed; means pivotally supporting the forwar-d ends of said shelves and means for moving the rearward end of each shelf downwardly toward horizontal position as the plunger advances, said machine having means timed with the .shelf motion and plunger and controlled thereby for stopping the machine prior to the advancement of the plunger into the space occupied by the shelves in the event of the failure of the shelves to move downwardly substantially to said horizontal position prior to entrance of the plunger into the space occupied by the shelves.

10. In a case-filling machine having a reciprocating load-transfer plunger; load-supporting shelves located in a load-supporting space for supporting cans in the path of the plunger; means for feeding cans to said space by rolling, said shelves being inclined downwardly in the direction of feed; means pivotally supporting the forward ends of said shelves and means for moving the rearward end of each shelf downwardly toward horizontal position as the plunger advances, said machine having an electric circuit for controlling the operation of the plunger and shelves and operator-controlled tripping means for starting the machine; a switch in said circuit operatively connected to and controlled by the tripping means to place the machine in operation; and means operated in time with the advancement of the plunger to open the circuit and stop the machine, prior to the entrance of the plunger into said space; a second switch in said circuit having actuating means operatively connected to the shelves to close the circuit and continue the operation of the machine when the shelves move downwardly substantially to horizontal position.

11. In a case-filling machine having a reciprocating load-transfer plunger; load-supporting shelves located in a load-supporting Space for supporting cans in the path of the plunger;

means for feeding cans to said space by rolling, said shelves being inclined downwardly in the direction yof feed; means pivotally supporting the forward ends of said shelves and means for moving the rearward end of each shelf downwardly toward horizontal position as the plunger advances, said machine having an electric circuit including a motor to operate the plunger and shelves; a switch timed with the shelves and plunger to open the circuit to prevent advancement of the plunger into the load-forming space prior to the movement of the shelves to said approximately horizontal position; means connected to and operated in time with the shelves to close said switch to cause the operation ofthe machine when the shelves move downwardly toward said horizontal position; braking means for stopping the plunger; means imparting a constant tendency to the brake to apply the same; and means in the circuit for holding the brake released when said circuit is closed whereby the brake is applied instantaneously when the circuit is broken.

l2. In a case-lling machine having a reciprocating load-transfer plunger; load-supporting shelves located in a load supporting space for supporting cans in the path of the plunger; means for feeding cans to said space by rolling, said shelves being inclined downwardly in the direction of feed; means pivotally supporting the forward ends of said shelves and means for moving the rearward end of each shelf downwardly toward horizontal position as the plunger advances, said machine having an electric circuit for operating the plunger and shelves and having operator-controlled tripping means; a switch in said circuit operatively connected to and controlled by the tripping means to operate the machine; and means operated in time with the advancement of the plunger to open said switch and stop the machine prior to the entrance of the plunger into the load-supporting space; a second switch in said circuit adapted to complete the circuit when the first said switch is open, said second switch having actuating means operatively connected to the shelves to close the circuit and continue the operation of the machine when the shelves move downwardly toward horizontal position; braking means for stopping the plunger; means whereby the brake is applied when the circuit is opened; feeding means comprising means whereby the cans at different periods in the feeding operation follow diiferent paths; a third switch in said circuit and means for operating said latter switch, said means being in the path of the cans moving into the load as the load approaches completion for operating said latter switch to break said circuit to stop the plunger in the absence of a sufficient supply of cans in said path.

13. In a case-filling machine having a reciprocating load-transfer plunger; load-supporting shelves located in a load-supporting space for supporting cans in the path of the plunger; means for feeding cans to said space by rolling, said shelves being inclined downwardly in the direction of feed; means pivotally supporting the forward ends of said shelves and means for moving the rearward end of each shelf downwardly toward horizontal position as the plunger advances, said machine having a magazine space located to the rear of the load-supporting space and having shelves which correspond to the shleves in the load-supporting space and are downwardly and forwardly inclined into delivery relation with said respective load-supporting shelves, said magazine shelves being pivoted at their forward ends; and means for feeding cans to one side of the magazine shelves to occupy one-half of the magazine which is rearmost as to the direction of the working stroke of said plunger; a magazine plunger cooperating with the magazine shelves to form the load by advancing alternate half loads of cans fed to the magazine to a position out of line with the feed whereby the remaining half loads of cans entering the magazine serve to complete successive full loads therein; means for operating the magazine plunger to advance and retract the same prior to the withdrawal of the load transfer plunger; means for lowering the rear ends of the magazine shelves to bring the shelves to a substantially horizontal position, at the beginning, and raising them to the initial inclined position,

at the end, of the stroke of the magazine plunger.v 

